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everyday feminism

Why Men Need Feminism Too (Really, You Do!)

Assuming you don’t believe in the common myths about feminism, you still may think that feminism is all about women’s issues, reproductive rights, celebrating femininity…pregnancy…motherhood…PMS…boobies…vaginas…who knows.

You may have thought:

“I can’t be a feminist. I’m a dude.”

“I support women’s rights, but feminism is not really my thing.”

“My life isn’t really affected much by feminism.”

Well, I’ve got news for you!

Even though women are oppressed in many ways that men are not (let me be clear about this: in many, many, many ways), the system of traditional gender roles that we live in harms ALL people.

You may have accepted these realities as normal – just part of being a guy.

But feminists say that’s not right. That you shouldn’t be expected to live up to an unrealistic ideal. That you shouldn’t be bullied or ignored for being different. That you shouldn’t have to participate in sexist practices. That you deserve much, much more.

Feminists think you should have the freedom to explore life beyond the rigid boundaries of traditional masculinity and choose for yourself what aligns with your own values.

How has your gender affected your life? What do you want to change for men?

And hey – welcome to the movement.

Katy Kreitler is a Contributing Writer for Everyday Feminism as well as a counselor and youth advocate. She can be found wandering the streets of San Francisco with a purse full of used fiction, a pair of emergency yoga pants, and half a burrito.